Mizzou QB Simmons 'on the same page' as his offensive line
With a full week of practice as a starter under his belt, Austin Simmons is prepared to lead Missouri's offense this season. He has built rapport with his teammates, especially his offensive linemen.
Austin Simmons (13) warms up with some throwing drills Friday at the Mizzou Athletics Training Complex in Columbia. Simmons is entering his first year with MU.
Austin Simmons (13) throws to Caleb Goodie Sr. (2) on Friday at Mizzou Athletics Training Complex in Columbia.
Austin Simmons (13) throws a pass to wide receiver Naeshaun Montgomery (0) during practice Friday at Mizzou Athletics Training Complex in Columbia.
As many Mizzou players have done before, quarterback Austin Simmons stood in the lobby of the Stephens Indoor Facility in Columbia to address a crowd of reporters. But this time, something was different.
Simmons had an audience Friday, and it wasn’t just the media. Four of his linemen — Luke Work, Tristan Wilson, Dominick Giudice and Cayden Green — stood and watched.
That minuscule detail highlights something much bigger — the rapport Simmons is building with his teammates. He views practice as an opportunity to get to know them better, and he has especially enjoyed working with the offensive linemen.
“I love each and every one of these guys,” Simmons said. “We hang out a lot, and we talk a lot, and they’re really goofy, especially Dominick (Giudice). We all love each other, and we’re always on the same page.”
The offensive line is a crucial part of any football team, but when a new quarterback is involved, it becomes even more important. In 2025, the Tigers ranked dead last in the Southeastern Conference with 188 passing yards per game. While there is an emphasis on Simmons putting the ball in the air, he is also a dual-threat athlete who loves to use his legs.
“It’s great,” Simmons said about the advantage that the offensive line gives him. “Especially in blitz pickup, per se, I can really just get out of the pocket when I have to and pick up those yards.”
Simmons is left-handed, so the responsibility of protecting his blind side shifts to the right tackle, but the entire line needs to be working in harmony. Giudice, a fifth-year player, is an integral part of the unit. He shifted to play center, and so far he has liked his new role.
“I really enjoy playing center (and) being able to control the line of scrimmage and make all the calls, lead the guys,” Giudice said. “Everyone really trusts each other with all the work that we put in. It’s been a good time being at center and getting closer with the guys.”
He pinpointed comfort and trust with each other as the biggest keys to success. The work that he and his teammates have put in throughout the offseason has instilled confidence.
“There’s no doubt in our capabilities and what we can do,” Giudice said. “We all know what we can do, and we all know what we’re looking to do this year: be the best offensive line. We’re pushing each other each and every day to get to that.”
Work, Wilson, Giudice and Green didn’t say much as Simmons talked to the media, but their mere presence spoke volumes. It’s clear that Simmons has bonded with the team, and if that chemistry carries over to the field, Mizzou fans could be treated to the offense for which they have desperately longed.